7 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Strouds Run State Park Campground houses several upscale glamping accommodations for visitors seeking comfort within nature's embrace. Just minutes from Athens, the park's premium safari tents and canvas lodgings offer an elevated outdoor experience with proper beds, solar lighting, and private decks overlooking the scenic lake. At Boulders Edge Cabin and Tipi Retreat provides distinctive Native American-inspired tipi accommodations with modern comforts, while Lake Hope State Park features deluxe yurts equipped with electricity, heating, and furnished interiors. Most glamping sites include picnic tables, fire rings, and proximity to clean toilet facilities, though amenities vary by location. One guest shared, "The glamping sites are set off from the main campground which is nice - it was quiet and felt remote while still having access to basic comforts."
Hiking enthusiasts appreciate the extensive trail networks surrounding these glamping destinations, with Strouds Run offering over 15 miles of paths through Appalachian foothills and around Dow Lake. Water activities abound with kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals available at most locations during peak season. The region's dark skies make stargazing exceptional, particularly from Top O' The Caves Campground's elevated yurts that provide unobstructed night sky views. Winter visitors discover a quieter experience with heated accommodations remaining open year-round at several locations. Proximity to Hocking Hills' famous caves and waterfalls adds appeal, with most glamping sites positioned within a 30-minute drive of these natural attractions. A visitor noted, "Amazing at night for stargazing! There are shelters with picnic tables at one stop, and a little beach and boating dock if you keep going."
"Luxurious accommodations and continental breakfasts won’t be found here…..a space to unwind and reflect will."
"Site 41 with a paved pad and electric. We were across from the shower house and bathrooms. The office is closed but a staff person was on site."
Available next weekend
from $21 - $55 / night
"Firewood available for purchase on site. Lake Hope lodge provides great warm and dry spot for delicious food."
"With that said, all sites appeared to have a spot for at least 1 tent cleared away and the picnic table and fire ring in a secure location. Most sites only had room for one car parked at the site"
Available next weekend
from $21 - $45 / night
"In mid April 2023 I arrived late afternoon and there were TONS of spots available. Happy with the spot I picked. There was some noise from other campsites, but overall not terrible."
"The go to camping location for Athens. Many campsites, trails, and amenities. Anything from boat rentals, a small store, and docks to use near the lake."
"Free tricycles to ride around. Bouncy area, lake with a trampoline and activities all the time."
"EV chargers on-site. Bathrooms were excellent individually separated rooms with showers and toilets. We were escorted to our site upon arrival."
"Awesome staff family owned for over 20 plus years. Extremely clean well maintained. Shower houses plenty of hot water facilities were very clean sites are well spread apart."
Available next weekend
from $69 - $499 / night
"The RV site was rather small without much personal space. But it worked for what they needed. The tent site was decently secluded and near a nice small pond."
"This was a nice campground extremely central to all frequented trails in the area . We stayed on the electric/ water side of campground ."
"We stayed here for 3 nights and it’s our family of 5 in late October (Class C, water and electric only). We enjoyed the great sunrises and sunsets. We also thought the facilities were quite nice."
"There is a nice sized sand ground play set with swings and 2 slides, an air pillow (blob) putt putt, a trail to the lake, a dog run, poop pickup stations, an A/C’d game room and very pleasant staff. 10"
Available next weekend
from $41 - $96 / night
"We live close to this park and frequent there, sometimes just day trips. Tent camping is great and just like most places there are a few sites that are the best."
"I've included a photo of the map the attendant had to show a view of the areas...electric and non-electric with a total of 151 sites. "
Available next weekend
from $21 - $40 / night
"We weren’t too keen on most of the parks amenities, but enjoyed just sitting around the fire the whole time."
"The fire pit location is across a tiny stream; we enjoyed a campfire in the woods! There were no loud folks. The loudest thing we heard was the occasional bark of a dog (which we didn't mind)."
Available next weekend
from $23 - $75 / night
TravelerGreat view of the sky for stargazing and telescopes at the sites in 40s. Trails are a little neglected though; lots of downed trees and faded blazes. Maybe it’s late in the season, and they will improve in the spring.
ScoutLaid back rv park on the Ohio river plenty of room. 10/10
GuideWe used Site 53, which is a pull thru. The site was spacious and level. The fire pit location is across a tiny stream; we enjoyed a campfire in the woods! There were no loud folks. The loudest thing we heard was the occasional bark of a dog (which we didn't mind).
The restrooms were new and extremely clean. The staff at the camp store was friendly.
There are plenty of places and opportunities to enjoy Pine Lake: you can sit on a bench or rent a canoe.
We'd love to return to Tar Hollow when the fall foliage is beautiful.
RangerSites are small - especially the ones with power. Bathrooms are dirty and very worn out. Only 1 of 3 of the mens showers were working. Lots of spiders in the bathrooms and the stall doors don't latch effectively. Camp store (and access to ice) was closed for 'remodel'.
RangerIt’s just beautiful there. Great for bikes. Good camp store, putt putt, bike rentals, camper beach. Easy access to fishing. And there a playground surrounded by a little stream of water that is so cool. New bathrooms are spectacular. Also has family showers.
RangerNot our favorite. Very small campground. Good hiking trails. Decent beach. Very hilly. Shower house was kinda gross.
TravelerThe campground was well maintained and it did offer some fun activities for the kids (pillow trampoline, basketball court, mini golf). We stayed in the RV section and although the sites are grassy, we prefer more trees and bigger sites for shade and privacy. This is more of an RV park feel that we prefer. However, it was within close driving proximity to Hocking Hills State Park, which was our reason for booking. So it did the job!
ScoutJellystone Hocking Hills Ohio Don’t waste your money! I reserved a full hook up deluxe site with patio. Was supposed to be a level concrete slab. It was not! It was all gravel and dirt. No concrete whatsoever. This deluxe site sloped down so when you had a fire( weren’t allowed to move fire pit) your chairs went down hill and I fell almost every night. They brought in a crushed zone but it didn’t help the situation. Owner told us he would credit us some money back since the site wasn’t as promised, he did not. The playground was a mess. Old and nasty. The jump pad didn’t hold much air, so kids would jump on and sink right o the ground. The mining area was not locked so kids got into the pump and electrical areas which was dangerous for the little ones. YOGI BEAR MADE ONE 15 MINUTE APPEARANCE IN 5 DAYS. The schedule showed daily appearances at least daily if not more than once daily, which is how other Jellystones have been for us. MY GRANDSON was so sad. He had been looking forward to this trip for months, and recalled our prior JELLYSTONE stay at Watts Bar Lake in Tennessee, which was a totally different experience than this awful Hocking hills Jellystone. We repeatedly asked about Yogi appearances and were told“Yogi was busy and maybe he would come tomorrow“. The owner made so many excuses like,“my concrete guy didn’t show up last week” that’s why we didn’t have our concrete level patio site that we paid for. The playground didn’t have mulch cause his guy didn’t show up last week. The jump pad didn’t work right because his guy didn’t show up. The new pool wasn’t completed because his guy didn’t show up. Even the yogi bear statue they show in their picture wasn’t there. The pool they did have was in the owners backyard and you had to drive to it. It was slimed and disgusting. I have never been so disappointed. We drove 4.5 hours to get there specifically so my grandkids could camp at a Jellystone with Yogi Bear around. I don’t know how they are allowed to be a Jellystone, they are definitely not up to par. I’m sure we aren’t the only family to pay jellystones higher prices so the kids could see Yogi and friends daily. I could go on…there really were so many bad things about this place, but I see this review is very long. I will attach some photos
GuideThis is a one night stop on our way to Myrtle beach. Very nice place. We’re at site 17 with a KOA patio. Rolling hills, friendly staff. Great pizza, wings and fudge. I want to come back and spend more time here! AT&T one bar. KOA WiFi ok but expect pauses if you stream video. Steep and narrow road to enter the park.
Camping opportunities around Chauncey, Ohio offer a diverse ecosystem of Appalachian foothills and waterways. Situated at approximately 700 feet above sea level, this region features mixed hardwood forests and sandstone outcroppings typical of southeastern Ohio's terrain. The area's campgrounds remain accessible most of the year, though visitors should note that many water systems shut down from November through March when temperatures regularly drop below freezing.
Fishing opportunities: The lakes at Burr Oak State Park Campground provide prime fishing locations throughout the camping season. "Very hot outside so aware that many sites do not have shade. Camp store people friendly, made a site change for us. The store has some basics but they were out of ice. The lodge is on the other side of the lake so about 10 minutes away. Going to rent a pontoon boat today and check out the beach," reports one camper.
Disc golf courses: Forked Run State Park features an 18-hole disc golf course that winds through wooded terrain. "Rural area. Lake. Disc golf. Fishing. Swimming. Hiking. I would go camping here again," notes a visitor who appreciated the recreational diversity.
Hummingbird viewing: At Tar Hollow State Park Campground, naturalists conduct seasonal programs where visitors can interact with local wildlife. "The naturalists feed hummingbirds at the nature center. They pull the feeders for awhile leading up to a 'Feed the Hummingbirds' program. So cool! The birds come right to you!" shares an enthusiastic camper.
Historical exploration: Near camping areas, visitors can tour the historic Hope Furnace at Lake Hope State Park or explore the abandoned Moonville Tunnel. "We were in Wayne National Forest and right next to the infamous Moonville tunnel. It was no problem to drive over to the caves in hocking hills but it was also nice to stay close by a couple days too," explains a camper who appreciated the historic sites.
Boat rentals: Lake Hope State Park Campground offers various watercraft options for lake exploration. "I'm a tent camper and a hiker, but my family and I even spent some time at the lake and rented a paddle board and a water bike which was so much fun! We also did some kayaking as well as driving to different hiking paths around the area," mentions a visitor.
Secluded group camping: Tar Hollow State Park provides designated areas for larger camping parties seeking privacy. "Beautiful, secluded group camping. Shelter and pit bathrooms. Wide open space for lots of campers. Nice access to trails. Beach area is clean & small little lake," notes a reviewer who valued the separate spaces.
Winter camping: Forked Run State Park remains open year-round with reduced services during colder months. "We stayed for a long weekend and had a great time. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The RV sites were a bit narrow, but otherwise nice and shaded. We took a couple of the hikes down by the lake and it was great," reports a visitor who enjoyed their off-season stay.
Night sky viewing: The region's minimal light pollution creates prime stargazing conditions. "If you're lucky and have no clouds, there is virtually no light pollution and you can see the Milky Way," shares a Tar Hollow camper about the optimal night sky conditions.
Water quality varies: Some campgrounds experience seasonal changes in water clarity. "We drove through loop 1 on our way out and it looked to be kept up better and cleaner. The lake was nice but I am not sure if they recently had some weather that caused it to be pretty brown/muddy, or if that's normal," reports a Forked Run State Park Campground visitor.
Cell service limitations: Most campgrounds in the region have limited or no cellular coverage. "There is no cell service. Be sure to give anyone who may need to contact you a heads up," advises a Tar Hollow camper who found the digital disconnect noteworthy.
Reservation systems vary: Not all campgrounds use the same booking system. "Sites are only rented in person once you arrive, they have clear instructions at the entrance. Sites were nice and level, but a bit on the smaller side," explains a Strouds Run camper regarding the first-come, first-served policy.
Seasonal facility closures: Off-season visitors should expect limited amenities. "We stopped here on Thanksgiving on our way South. Self paying, off season was $15. But the restrooms were closed. There were only 3 other sides occupied," reports a winter visitor to Strouds Run State Park.
Recreational facilities: Hocking Hills Jellystone Campground provides numerous family-oriented amenities. "We loved it. Our kids had a blast and didn't run out of things to do or kids to play with. We weren't very far from Old Man's Cave either," shares a family who enjoyed the dedicated children's activities.
Nature programs: Tar Hollow offers guided hikes specifically designed for younger campers. "In past years we've been able to spend an hour or so at the nature rooms, and then let the kids go off with the naturalist on an hour+ guided hike down the creek to explore for wildlife and plants," reports a parent who appreciated the structured activities.
Alternative glamping near Chauncey, Ohio: For families seeking more comfortable accommodations, At Boulders Edge Cabin and Tipi Retreat provides unique lodging options. "Perfect place for a getaway! They have tipi and cabin rentals. Such a nice place tucked away that isn't as over crowded as other places," notes a visitor who preferred the specialized glamping arrangements.
Beach access: Several campgrounds feature swimming areas with designated child-friendly zones. "The lake has a sand beach and designated swim area. It is blocked off from the rest of the lake by a wooden dock from which you are able to shallow dive (it's only seven or eight feet deep)," explains a Tar Hollow visitor regarding the family swimming options.
Site dimensions: Many local campgrounds have tight turns and shorter back-in sites. "Sites are mostly small and tight on hilly terrain. That said, I would still recommend this as a nice weekend getaway," advises an RV camper about Tar Hollow's limitations.
Leveling challenges: The hilly terrain requires preparation for uneven sites. "Camp sites are very small and very unlevel, had to raise back of camper and put front about a 1/4" off ground to get close to level. Site around is sloped in all directions," warns a Lake Hope visitor regarding the topography challenges.
Seasonal accessibility: Some access roads become problematic during winter conditions. "The little road going up to the campground is VERY bumpy. It's not the campground road, it belongs to the Township, so its completely out of their ability to make improvements," notes a KOA visitor describing the approach roads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Chauncey, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Chauncey, OH is Burr Oak State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 34 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Chauncey, OH?
TheDyrt.com has all 26 glamping camping locations near Chauncey, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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